Arsenal and Manchester City Reportedly Contacted About Iker Casillas Transfer

The agent of Real Madrid goalkeeper IkerCasillas has been in contact with Arsenal and Manchester City, according to reports.

John Cross of the Mirror suggests the 32-year-old's lack of playing time at the Bernabeu could see him exchange La Liga for the Premier League as Casillas looks to ensure he has a place in Spain's 2014 World Cup squad:

Real Madrid superstar IkerCasillas is being touted around the Premier League for a sensational January switch.

Manchester City and Arsenal have both been sounded out by agents, as Casillas is worried about his World Cup place.

Casillas has failed to recover his position in the Los Blancos line-up after being dropped by Jose Mourinho last year, but even though Madrid parted ways with the Portuguese coach during the summer, the shot-stopper hasn't reclaimed his place under Carlo Ancelotti.

The goalkeeper has been at Madrid since 1991 and has largely remained first-choice stopper since making his senior debut during the 1998-99 season. He is yet to play in La Liga this campaign and has made six appearances in the Champions League, per WhoScored.com.

Casillas' last appearance came in the Copadel Rey fourth-round victory over minnows OlimpicdeXativa on Dec. 18, highlighting his exclusive positioning as a cup goalkeeper this year.

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

Diego Lopez remains in good form during league encounters, suggesting a move is the only viable option for a player whom many expected to still be in Madrid's first-team at this stage of his career.

Manuel Pellegrini could use the unwanted keeper to overcome a difficult situation at Manchester City. The Chilean boss recently dropped longtime No. 1 Joe Hart and has stuck with CostelPantilimon in the Sky Blues' most important matches, but the Romanian's long-term quality remains to be seen.

His unwillingness to dive for Theo Walcott's first goal during the 6-3 win over Arsenal certainly wouldn't have done the giant any favours.

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Gunners keeper WojciechSzczesny has been in excellent form this season and recently put pen to paper on a new contract, per the club's official website. It would be extremely harsh if the Polish international was dropped for Casillas, although Arsenal No. 2 Lukasz Fabianski will struggle to land the enthusiasm of many if Szczesny is forced to miss a run of games.

Who is the better keeper?

Iker CasillasDiego LopezSubmit Votevote to see results

Who is the better keeper?

Iker Casillas

87.4%

Diego Lopez

12.6%

Total votes: 1,968

While a move to the Etihad seems a more viable option, Casillas' agent may be optimistic to think these clubs will make a significant change to land an individual who has failed to impress across the last year.

Casillas remains a fine goalkeeper, there's no doubt about that, but his stock continues to dwindle through a lack of playing time and the pitfalls of age.